Pneumatic action for musical instruments



M. S. WRIGHT.

YPan-:ummm Arc'mn ron Museen msmumems.

APPLIETIUN HLED NOV. 3. i914. Y

Patented Aug. 5, 1919.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

' MORRIS S. WRIGHT, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

PNEUMATIC ACTION FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Ysmanettoni med November s, 1914. serial Naarmate. Y

To @ZZ whom 'it may concern.'

Be it known that I, Mounts S. WRIGHT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Worcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Im rovements in Pneumatic Actions for Musical Instruments, of which the following is a specification, ref erence being had therein to the accompanylng drawing. Y Y

This invention relates to'` neumatic actions for self-playing musica instruments.

In the art under consideration, many devices have proven largely impracticable because due consideration was not given tothe objection of leakage between the pneumatic and valve parts, and the bjection of the accumulation ofjdust on the various operative parts, and it is one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide means whereby the primary pneumatics and associated valve members may 'be entirely inclosed and protected from dirt and dust, and the likelihood of leakage between the parts effectively guarded against.

An additional and important advantage of inclosing the parts just mentioned, as contemplated by the present invention, resides in the fact that the usual noise incident to the breathingV of the pneumatics will be avoided, thereby leliminati-ng an objection to mechanical self-playing instruments of previous construction.

In carrying out the invention I preferably constitute the wind chest or vacuum chamber casing, as the inclosing housing for the valve and primary pneumatic parts, said inclosing housing having a movable or detachable part whereby to aord convenient access to the pneumatic and valve parts, as

' desired.

It is also contemplated by the present invention to so construct and arrange the primary pneumatics and valve parts within the vacuum chamber casing that the same may, if desired. be bodily detached and removed from the vacuum chamber casing through the opening normally closed by the detachable partpreviously referred to.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pneumatic action involving a fewer number of parts, and cheaper to produce than prior similar actions, and with these and other objects in view, it is proposed by my improvements, to dispense with the usual piping or conductors between the pneu- Specification of Letters Patent. v Y

Patented Aug. 5, 1919.

matics, valve parts, and vacuum chamber casing. and to provide direct connection and communication between these parts. j

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated, the motor pneumatic is positioned without the vacuum chamber casing, and is adapted to have direct communication with the operatively associated valve casin through an Aopening' in one of the walls o the vacuum-*chamber casing. Y

It is further proposed by the present invention to provide means whereby the parts comprising the motor pneumatic, primary pneumatic and valve casing may be supported in place on the vacuum chamber casing by common means, to the end that by disengaging this means the several parts maybe removed at one-and the same time.

Still further, it isV contemplated by the present invention to provide a novel and improved pneumaticA action one that will be relatively inexpensive, w ile, at the same time, strong and durable in use, and highly eiiicient in operation.

Other improvements and novel details in the construction and arrangement of the various parts will be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the description to follow, which, for a clear understanding of the invention, is tube considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, form- Y ing a part hereof,and wherein is disclosed,

for the purpose of illustration, a convenient and satisfactory embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings Figure 1 isav side elevation of the device with parts in section;

Fig. 2 is a top plan of one o f the sections, the vacuum casing bein in section.

Referring more vparticularly tothe drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views, the vacuuln'chamber or wind4 chest X, which preferably constitutes an inclosing housin for the primary pneumatics and valve mem ers, is conveniently of metal` lic formation, and comprises top and bottom walls, l and Q, respectively, a rear wall, 3, end walls 4', the rear and end walls being preferably integral with the to and bottom walls, and removable front wal 5.

The front wall 5 is preferably of a size to overlic the edges of the top and bottom and end walls of the casing, and said top,

Y to detach abl valve casin is pre bottom and end walls preferably have an outwardly extending Bange 6, to be enga ed by the edges of the removable front wal 5. Removable securing means for the front wall 5 is preferably provided by threaded bolts 7 projecting from the edge extensions of the front wall and assing through suitable apertures in the anges 6 of the coperating walls of the vacuum chamber casing. It is also desirable to provide a packing, as of felt, `8, between the flanges 6 and the front wall, whereby to effectively seal the joint, to the end that the vacuum chamber casing will be air tight throughout.

Positioned within the housing formed by .the vacuum chamber casing are a series of pneumatic and valve actions, and a descri tion of one of these parte will suffice for t e others, it being understood that, as is usual in this ty e of construction, these pneumatics andJ valve units are -arranged 1n a pluralit of vertically spaced horizontal series, t e units of succee ing series being out of vertical alinement.

The combined rimary pneumatic and erably of metallic formation, and o the following construction.

9 is a bottom wall for the primary pneu matic casing, and 10 atop wall therefor, the bottom wall being provided with` a peripheral supportin fiange 11, for a peripheral fiange at t e lower edge of the top wall, and said supportin flange 'of the bottom wall convemently as a plurality of bendable lips 12, adapted to be bent over the upper surface ofv the peripheral Bange atV the lower edge of the top wall whereby connect these parts together. Interpose between the flanges of the top and bottom walls of the rimary neumatic casing is a suitable flexible diap ragm or pneumatic proper 13. The top wall 10 of the primary pneumaticY casing is provided with a horizontal part 14, an upwardly extending part 15, and an auxiliary horizontally extending part 16, which latter terminates with a downwardly projecting annular ange 17, the iiange i7 forming a suitable guide way for the valve, to be presently described, and the various portions of the top wall of the primary pneumatic casing just referred to, coperate to form a bottom wall for the valve casing.

The valve casing conveniently comprises a vertically extending tubular wall 18, having a relatively fiat open side portion 19 to engage the inner surface of the rear wall 3 of the vacuum chamber casing.

A removable top 2O is provided for the upper end of the tubular valve casi-ng, a

suitable packin 21 being (provided betweenthe top 20 and t e up er e ge of the tubular valve casing, -where yv to form a .sealed closure for the'valve casing.

A suitable partition 22 aving a central opening 22 provides at its lower surface a valve seat, said partition being extended to the relatively fiat side wall 19, and said side wall being provided with an opening 23 to form an outlet for the chamber above the partition.

A yieldable packing 24 is interposed between the lower edge of the vertical tubular portion of the valve casing and the horizontally extending fiange 14 of the primary pneumatic top, whereby to form an effective seal between these parts, and a suitable yieldable washer 16 is provided upon the orizontaily extending part 16, of the top wall of the primary pneumatic casing, to coperate with said horizontally extending wall in providing a valve seat.

Positioned upon the flexible diaphragm or pneumatic 13 in any appropriate manner, whereb to receive movement therefrom, is a suita le valve stem 25, having positioned thereon, a suitable valve disk 26, of any desired construction, the said disk bein adapted to engage the washer 16a. Sai valve stem also Preferably has a series of laterally extending wings 25, whereby to properly centeil the same in its movement through the opening in the top wall of the primary pneumatic. The valve stem 25 has an extensible part 27, threaded thereto, which said part 27 terminates in a flattened head 28, adapted to provide a loose su port for a valve cap 29, the saidcap E a yieldable sur ace adapted, in the upward` movement of the valve stem to engage the valve seat provided by the partition 22. The valye ca 29 is conveniently shaped somewhat simi ar to the flattened end of the valve stem part 27 to the end that by imparting rotary movement to the cap 29, the stem is rotated, whereby to relatively adjust the valve parts. At the same time. the valve, by reason of the loose connection stated, may readily rock and be properly centered in action.

Access may be afforded for adjustment of the valve parts by removing the detachable top20 of the valve casing. The top wall 10 of the primary pneumatic is provided with a series of openings 31, whereby to establish direct communication between the pneumatic casing and the vacuum chamber, at a point above the diaphra and at a point belowthe lower valve dis Communication between .the primarypneumatic casing and the tracker bar, which latter may be of vany approved design, is preferably provided through the medium of a tubular coupling member 32 secured to the bottom wall 9 o the primary pneumatic,

Y and projecting downwardly and upwardly therefrom. A conduit or conductor 33 projects upwardly at the front of the primary pneumatic casing and has at its lower end yi535 rable iwallf et bracketmfwdapted @for connection with-a 65 bolts 50 preect't `rough an gangled;extensionY 34:V adapted to be detacht ably connected to-` the coupling memberV 32', preferably through the mediumof a tubular rubberY member 35,and a surrounding tabu-7:

lar metalliomemberf the surrounding tubuwhereby Yto force the tuhailaiegrubber; mem- *this connection maylfbeaffordedby detach-r able tubular'unitsfcouplerlione to the other in theY manner previoasy described with ref- 1 enfance fte 'thesconnectien between. Ythe ecouik plingfantl themembert Y ffIt is unde, f course, :that the ruenr-VV ber 36 is also connected to'gther'member V2?'3 by aY similar detachable Ycoirlplin'gjto vtheY end thattheeefvarieusesectionsmay:be detached,

ortion VAof the conductorY inconvenient y provided with a vent ,communicating withV the vacuum fnietor preierably posi# 39 and cemprisescneu pernary welles,

' aaneen 5ewitlltani amovablebottom watt Y"one to the' saidavvatls connected othry. man1.- -Y The lower Inov- 43,' of any' desiredoofstructiron', designed teactuatethe "striking means proper. he powegpneumaticis preferably secured e f AYfencing,at;iru-iindtnificantltlfefvaktivecasiin'g Vwherebyf direct communicationlbeitw 'l apnea-A matie'andthe valve chamberlcasingria ro8 vided by an oEgni-ng-dd, inthe wall 3 o the vacuum'cham r casing'adapted Vto register withV openings and 46 in the vvall ofY the valve chamber casing and the end wail of the power pneumatic, respectively. Vl1A 'suitable packing 47 isprovide tween thevalve'eca vacuum iclanier Y outer l surface ofr'sai Yava l` 3 nd faire vend wall of the povverzgY neumatic. Y

In the preferre' mhedinrientV of the ini vention I convenientlyVV provide 'a single means for securing lthe motor pneumatic, primary pneumatic casing, and valve casing to'thewall ofthe-vacuum chamber casing, theY said meansgfineluding a metallic band or strap 48,`overlying -the'wall-of the valve easing, and lnivirgV oliset feet 4:9,V toengage the inner surface ofthe wall 3 of the vacuum chamber casn s Removable threaded openings in the so d be;

memberl having ndentations chamber casing, for-'connec-V f desiredf pressure Y urn-chamber casing,

suitable'I atite i I 1o thewall 3 of Ythe vacuumchamV vthe breathing of the vaarllofthe L" p.between the L oiset Afeet 49, rear wail 3, and engage the end wall of the vacuum chamber casing. desired, anchoring dowels, as of brass 51, mayV be embedded in the end wall of the motor neumatic to be engaged by the terminals oiP the bolts 50, whereby to firmly support these parts in place.

v-Jlfhe operation may be reviewed as followsz- Y The primary pneumatic elements being provided with the holes 31 in the top Wall thereof, allows the vacuum 1in the chamber X to connect with the valve chamber, so that when the air is admitted to the conductor Yconnected to the tracker, the same follows under the diaphragm 13, lifts the valve 26, closing the openin 22 by means of the valve disk 29, so that t e atmospheric is cut off from the power pneumatic. As the air is cut oi from the tracker, the power pneumatic takes the remaining air from the opening 44 in the Wall 3 leading to the outside.

When it is desired to obtain access to any of the parts, it is only necessary to remove the detachable front wall 5 of `tbe casing. Should it be desired to remove the pneumaticV elements from the casing, the conductor section 33 is removed from the section 36, and the bolts V50 released, which will disconnect` the valve ycasing and `connested pneumatcs to the end that the same may be bodily removed from the vacuum chamber casing.

YIt will be seen from the description that the primary `pneumatics andY valve mechanism are allinciosed and protected from dirt'and dust, und it will also be appreciated that the structure is simple and inexpensive in that the customary conduits between the parts, Vthe usual vent bar, etc., are eliminated. In addition to the advantage of protect ing ther parte from the accumulation of dirt Yand dust, the inclosing characteristic is rimportant in that the noise incident to. pneumatic will be largelyA eliminated.

I claim n 711. `In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a' series of primary pneunrafticelements andvalve casings arranged n ywithin the vacuum chamber casing, valveswithin the valve casings and inclosed thereby and'power pneumatlcs one for each valve-casing arranged Withouty the vacuum chamber casing and operatively associated with the Valve casings.

2. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination ofa metallic vacuum chamber casing, a series of primary pneum'atfic'and valve `casings, the walls of which are constructed of metal and arranged whoily Within the vacuum chamber casing, and' power pneumatics one for each valve 130 casing arranged Without the vacuum chamber casing and operatively associated with the valve casings, and a detachable wall for the vacuum chamber casing, ermitting access to the primary pneumatics and valve casings.

3. In a pneumatic'aetion for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a valve casing positioned within the vacuum chamber casing, a primary pneumatic operatively associated with the valve casing, a motor pneumatic arranged without the vacuum chamber casing, means for establishing direct communication between the valve casing and the motor pneumatic through one wail of the vacuum chamber casin and means for detachably supporting t e motor pneumatic and valve casing on said wall of the vacuum chamber casing.

4. In a pneumatic action .for musical instrumentsthe combination of a vacuum chamber casing, within the vacuum chamber casing, a primary pneumatic operatively associated with the valve casing, a motor pneumatic arranged without the vacuum chamber casing, means for establishing communication between the valve casing and the motor pneumatic, and means common to the motor pneumatic and valve casing for detachabiy supporting both on one wail of the vacuum chamber casing.

5. In an pneumatic action for musical in'- struments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a valve casing positioned Within the vacuum mary pneumatic operatively associated with the valve casing, a motor pneumatic arranged without the vacuum chamber casing, one wall of the vacuum chamber casing having an opening therethrough, and the valve casing and motor Cpneumatic having registering ports adapte to establish communication withone another through said opening of the vacuum chamber casing.

In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a valve casing positioned within the vacuum chamber casing, a primary pneumatic operatively associatedV with the valve casing, a motor pneumatic arranged vvithout the vacuum chamber casing, one wall of the vacuum chamber'casing having an opening therethrough, and the valve casing and motor pneumatic having orts adapted to establish communication wit one another through said openin of the valve casing, and means for detacha 1y connecting the motor pneumatic and valve casing upon opposite sides of the opening in said wall.

7. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination .of a vacuum chamber casing, a valve casing positioned within the vacuum chamber casing, a primatic, means forV detachably sup closure for the vacuum chamuer casin a valve casing positionedchamber casing, a priporting the valve casing` mary pneumatic operatively associated with the valve casing, a motor Y neumatic arranged Without the vacuum c amber casing, means for establishing communication between the valve casing and the motor pneuporting the motor pneumatic and valve casing on the vacuum chamber-casing, and a removable permitting access to the primary pneumatic and valve casing.

-8. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a supporting Wall, a valve casing, a motor pneumatic, said supporting wall having an opening therethrough, and said Ymotor pneumatic and valve casing havingan opening Vin one Wall thereof, and means for supporting the valve casing and motor pneumatic upon o positsY theV sides of said su porting Wal where Y openings thereolil directly register Wit the opening in thefsapporting wall:

In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, tlie combination of a supportingY a motor pneumatic,

casing and motor pneumatic upon opposite sides of said supporting wall whereby the openings thereotrregister with the o ening in the supporting Wall, said means inc ud e a member mounted on the valve casing n having associated-means to engage the motor pneumatic YthroughL said supporting Wall.

10. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of aV supporting wall, a i'falvecasingga` motor pneumatic, said supporting wall having an opening therethrough, and said motor pneumatic and valve casing having an openingY in one wall thereof, and means for supporting the valve casing and motor pneumatic upon opposite sides of said su' porting,E wall whereby the openings thereo Vregister with the opening in the supporting wall, said means lncluding a detachable element or elements projecting through said supporting Walle-and operatively connected at opposite ends to the valve casing and motor pneumatic.

11. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of an inclosin vacuum chamber casing, one portion thereo forming a supporti-n2 Wall, a valve casing, a motor pneumatic, said supportin wall having an opening therethrough, an said motor pneumatic and vaive casing having an opening in one wall thereof, and means for supand motor pneumatlc upon opposite sides of said supporting wall whereby the openings thereof register with the opening of the supporting wall.

12. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, thev combination of a vacuum Vhaving an openin chamber casing, a. neinnatiesandY valvecasing Yticfned Within the -vacuum chamber casing, a motor pneumatic arranged gritleeut the vacuum chamber casing, the Iifvalvecaeing and: motor pneumatic having an opening therethrough and one wall of the vacuum chamberfca'sing having an opening registyetionznfithitiie openings ctthe valreilcaeingiandintorfpreuiiatie, 'inexigirse:forVY gend lla 'w 1 motor pneumatic in-plaeefanei Y Y Y terposed Ybetween the adj acentewalle? o VYthe vacuum chamber casing'fthel motor pneu matic and'valve casing.

:tu V13;` In a pneumatic action for musical inf Y stimmte, the oombinationfof a primary pneumatic casing,valves, a valve casing in- MTclosing said valves and mounted upon 'the primary'pneumatic casing,-a.nd an inclosing Micasing fer theY primary pneema casing and valve casing, saidjine" "gr gfforniing a. vaouumchambere Y V1%. In apneuanatic action for musical instruments, Vtheooinbination of a primary Zfpneumatic element, a vaive; casing mounted Y the'main casing of ther instrument for the primary pneumatic and valve casings, and

means engaging one Yvva,ll-oftfhe inclosing casing-for detachablysupporting 40 place, anda movable'closure f or the incos- 16. In a; pneumatic n for musical instrumentsythe ci'iii'ibii'i'aticii'"ofV a primary pneumatic, 'u 'vulve casing mounted upon a part connected Withsaid pneumatic, au inl closing vacuum chamber casing for the primary pneumatic and valvc'casing, meansengaging one Wall ofthe vacuum chamber casing for detachably supporting the primary pneumatic vaiiil valerY Vcasing Ii n place, and a motori*preuiiitticisupported on the vacuum 'chain-bei i fencing and operatively associated with's'aid valve casing;

chamber casing'lor detachably supporting' bot-li the primary pneuniatic and valve casings 1n pluce,'n la motor pneumatic sup- 65 ported onY tiiewacu-iim chamber casing and vacuumV chamber f casing,V and la valvejcasingfmounted 3E thereomfan inclosing casing'independent ofi both the Vprimary pneumatic and valve casings in "iii'detac'h- Y 17. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a primaryV operatively associated :with saidvalve cas ing, said motor pneumatic being in direct communication with the VVvalve casing through an opening in one Wall of the latter.

18. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination ofa primary pneumatic, a valve casing operatively connected therewithyaV vacuum chamber casing, the said primary pneumatic and valve casing being positioned within and inclosediby the u. motor pneumatic positioned without the vacuum cham ber casing mounted upon one Wall thereof and in communication with the Vacuum chamber. i v

19. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a primary pneumatic element, a valve casing, secured thereto, a vacuum chamber casing, the said primary pneumatic element and valve casing beingnpositioned within and inclosed by the vacuum 'chamber easing; Vsaid vacuum chambei casing having an opening leading to the outside and communicating with the Valve casing.

20. ln a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a primary pneumatic casing, a valve casing connected directly thereto, a vacuum chamber casing, the said primary pneumatic and valvecasings being positioned Within and inclosed by the' vacuumY chamber casing, and a conduit Vwnlni the casing V'ennmiinicating'with the primary pneumaticcasing and leading to the outside of the casing for connection with a tracker bar.

21. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination ofV a primarypneuinatic, a valve casing connected thereto, a vacuum chamber casing, the said primary pneumatic and valve'cnsing 'being' positioned within and inclosedby the vvacuum chamber casing, and a condnit within the casing coin municating with the'p'rima-ry pneumatic and leading to the outside of the casing for connecting with a tracker' bar, said conduit being formed in sections, W'Vliereby to permit removal of the valve casing and primary pneumatic.

22. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a primary pneumatic Casing. a valve casing, mounted thereon, a vacuum chamber casing. the said primary pnoun'iatic and valve casings being Vpositioiiefl within and inclosed h v the vacu- `um rhaiulur casing. and a conduit within the casing communicating with the primar)v pneumatic casing und leading to the outside oiithe casing for connection with n tracker Ybar. 'said ronduit having;` .a vent opening within thi` vacuum chamber.

Q3. ln a metallic pneumatic action for musical instruments.V the combination of u Ymetallic casing termini! a vacuum chamber.

and a metallic unitu'it 1i the chamber coinprising a primary pneumatic and valve casin g4. In a metallic pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a metallic casing forming a vacuum chamber, a metallic unit within-the chamber comprising a primary pneumatic and valve casing, means for detachably securing said unit in place, and a removable wall for the vacum chamber casing. A

25. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a primary pneumatic element positioned within the casing, having o posite walls with an interposed d iap ragm, a conduit adapted for connection with the tracker bar, communicating with the lower wall of the primary pneumatic, and the opposite wall having a port communicating with the` vacuum chamber, and a valve casing supported upon the irimary pneumatic element,I and also inclose by the vacuum chamber casing.

26. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a rimary pneumatic easing positioned within the casin having opposite walls with an interpose diaphragm a conduit adapted for connection with the tracker bar, communicating with the lower wall of the primary pneumatic, the opposite wall having a port communicating with the vacuum chamber, a valve casin mounted upon one of said walls, and va ves operatively connected with the diaphragm of the primary pneumatic.

27. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a primary pneumatic casing positioned within the casin having opposite walls with an interpose diaphragm, a conduit adapted for connection with the tracker bar communicating with the lower wall of the primary pneumatic, the op osite wall having a port communicating with the vacuum chamber, an air tight valve casing supported upon the ported wall of the primary pneumatic and communicating with the interior thereof, valve seats in the valve casing, and valve parts to engage said seats, a vent port for the valve casing leading to the outside of the vacuum chamber casing, and a motor pneumatic having communication with the valve casing intermediate said valve seats.

28. In a pneumatic action for musicalkinstruments, pneumatic mechanism arranged in series within the casing, a valve casing supported on the top Wall of each primary pneumatic mechanism, one of the walls of the inclosing casin having a series of openings, one for eacl valve casing, a motor pneumatic for each valve casing having an end to contact with said vertical wall of the inclosing casing, said motor pneumaticshaving end openings communicating with the openings of the inclosing casing, and the side wall ofthe valve casings having openings communicating through the vacuum chamber casing with said motor pneumatica.

29. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a primar pneumatic mech,- anism positioned within the casin and cornprising a bottom wall, a top wal an interposed diaphragm, a valve casing positioned' on the top wall of the primary pneumatic mechanism andoperatively connected thereto, a packing interposed between the lower end of the valve casing and the top wall of Vthe primary pneumatic mechanism, and a motor neuniatlc operatively associated with the va ve casing. Y

30. In a pneumatic action for musical in strnments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a primary pneumatic cas- 4ing positioned therein, a valve casing mounted upon the pneumatic casing, and also arranged within the vacuum chamber casing, and a removable top wall for the valve casin g1. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a .vacuum chamber casing, a vertically disposed valve casing within the vacuum chamber casing, a primary pneumatic element also within the vacuum chamber casing and connected directly to the vacuum chamber casing, and means mounted on the valve casing for engaging a side Wall of the vacuum chamberl casing for detachably supporting the same in place.

32. In a pneumatic action for musical in-v struments, the combination of a vacuum i chamber casing, a vertically disposed valve casing within the vacuum chamber4 casing,

a primary pneumatic element also Within the vacuum chamber casing and connected directly to the vacuum chamber casing, means mounted on the valve casing for engagin a side wall of the vacuum chamber casing or detachably supportin the same in place, the opposite side wall o the vacuum chamber casing being removable whereby to permit access to the valve casing and pneumatic element.

33. In a pneumatic action for musica] instruments, the combination of a vacuunl chamber casing, a vertically disposed valve casing Within the vacuum chamber casing, a primary pneumatic element also within the vacuum chamber casing and connected directly to the vacuum chamber casing, means mounted on the valve casing for engaging a side wall of the vacuum chamber casing for detachably supporting the same in place, a horizontally disposed motor pneumatic arranged without the vacuum chamber casing and having `an opening in its end wall adapted to directly register with an opening in said side Wall of the vacuum chamber casing, and said valve casing having an opening registering with the last tw() mentioned openings.

34. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a vertically disposed primary pneumatic mechanism Within the casing, a vertically disposed valve casing mounted upon the primary pneumatic mechanism, a motor pneumatic arranged without the vacuum chamber casing, and common means for detachably supporting the motor pneumatic, valve casing, and primary pneumatic upon one wall of the vacuum chamber casing.

35. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber casing, a primary pneumatic mechanism Within the casing, a valve casing mounted upon the primary pneumatic mechanism, a motor pneumatic arranged Without the vacuum chamber casing, common means for detachably supporting the motor pneumatic, valve casing, upon one Wall of the vacuum chamber casing, the op osite Wall of the vacuum chamber casing ein'g removable at will to permitapplication and removal of said parts.

36. In a device of the character described an action chest having one of its Walls perforated, 'striker pneumatics on the exterior of the Wall, valve actions mounted upon the interior of the wall and means for removably securing said valve actions to the wall in operable relation to the striker pneumatics and their ducts.

37. In a device of the character described, an action chest subject to air tension, a plurality of individual unit valve structures arranged therein and removable therefrom, each individual unit comprising a valve block with relief ports, a valve, a dia hragm controlling the operation of said va ve' and suspended with reference to the valve block and open to the suction of the chest, said diaphragm having an area greater than the block but With its center coincident with the valve of said block.

38. In a device of the character described an action chest, striker pneumatics mounted exteriorly thereof, ducts extending through a Wall ofA the chest and controlling the striker pneumatics, and valve actions removably secured within the chest and controlling said ducts.

39. In a device of the character described, the combination of an action chest, striker pneumatics, a plurality of valve members within said chest and each having an eX- haust. through one Wall of the chest and having an open ydiaphragm connection with the interior of the chest, `a valve arranged in and primary pneumatic the valve cliamber'of each valve member, and a duct adapted to establish communication between each valve chamber and a striker pneumatic.

40. In afpneumatic yaction for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber having a back board, and a removable front board, and valve seats and diap'hragims within the vacuum chamber supported upon said back board entirely independent of the front board.

41. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of an action chest having a vacuum chamber with a back board, and a removable front board, and valve actions Within the vacuum chamber secured to the back board and supported independently of the front board.

4Q. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of an action chest having a vacuum chamber with a removable wall, a valve action within the chamber, a striker pneumatic Without the chamber, said valve action and striker pneumatic being secured at opposite sides of one Wall of the chamber and independent of the removable Wall thereof.

43.' In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a vacuum chamber having front and rear Walls, a valve action Within the chamber mounted upon the rear Wall, an exterior motor pneumatic mounted upon the rear Wall, and means for mounting the frontwall whereby access to the interior of the vacuum chamber and valve action may be obtained at will at the front of the casing. y

44. An action chest having a vacuu chamber with a back board, and a removable front board, and valve seats and diaphragme, Within the vacuum chamber and sulpported entirel independently of the front board.

45. n :action chest having a vacuum chamber with a Iback board, andra removable front board, and valve seats and diaphragme within the vacuum chamber :secured to the back board and .supported entirely independently of the front board.

46. In a pneumatic action for musical instruments, the combination of a diaphragm, a valve operatively connected therewith, a vacuum chamber cas'n the diaphragm and valve being positionedgwithin and inclosed by the vacuum chamber casing, and a motor pneumatic positioned Without the vacuum 

